What are the responsibilities and job description for the Limited Term Water Quality Specialist - Intern (LURM) position at Walworth County?
This position is responsible for implementing the County’s Lake Protection and Monitoring Grant Program. Duties will include providing training for Clean Boats Clean Waters (CBCW) volunteers, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) monitoring on county’s lakes, stakeholder outreach, and education on local water quality in the County.
This is a program with grant funding for 1 year beginning January 1, 2026 This limited term position will expire on December 31, 2026. Subsequent grant renewals are not guaranteed. The position is funded for 800 hours and is envisioned to be full-time (40 hours per week) May through August, with the potential for part-time (10-20 hours per week) January through April and September through December to attend trainings, host events, and perform other grant tasks as-needed.
This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.
Collaborate with stakeholders and state partners to disseminate information to residents, lake property owners, and other stakeholders through news articles, email alerts, and information on the county website.
Coordinate with staff members to update the County website and/or utilize social media to reflect new information and increase awareness of AIS. Communicate to interested parties/stakeholders via email.
Collect and report chemical, biological, or physical data on lakes and lake ecosystems, including data on water levels and lake ice extent and duration as requested by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR). Enter data into the state Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) database.
Identify lake districts and associations collecting chemical, biological, and/or physical lake data and provide training on data entry into the state Surface Water Integrated Monitoring System (SWIMS) database. Recruit new districts and associations to collect this data.
Coordinate checks on WDNR AIS signage at lake/river public access sites within county. Inventory signs at boat launches and coordinate with local lake groups where signage is lacking.
Coordinate early detection monitoring for AIS. Assist with "meander" surveys on County lakes. Connect individuals with information and resources when new species are found.
Coordinate the CBCW watercraft inspection program and annual AIS Snapshot Day in for the county. Become trained as a trainer for the CBCW program and conduct volunteer training for volunteers working for local lakes.
Provide AIS outreach and education to local partners and AIS stakeholders.
Provide technical assistance to a grantee or grant applicant for AIS prevention and control.
Recruit new Secchi Disk monitors and train them on data entry into SWIMS.
Support and expand implementation of the Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Program in the County, working with WDNR and other partners for reporting and tracking associated with the program.
Promote and assist with Organisms in Trade (OIT) Pathway to implement Wisconsin AIS Management Plan.
Attend trainings and webinars to stay up to date on statewide information. Complete AIS Verification Testing to become a certified AIS verifier.
Demonstrate a commitment to county safety and risk management efforts.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Education and/or Experience
High school diploma required with at least 1 year of education at an accredited college in the areas of environmental science, natural resources management, biology or geography. Previous research experience highly desired.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations
Valid Driver's License.
Proof of minimum liability auto insurance coverage
Aquatic Invasive Species Verifier (preferred or ability to obtain)
Interactions and Communications
Provides specialized information and/or recommendations to others regarding an area of expertise.
Decision Making
This position has authority to make decisions that are within general procedures and protocols; supervision is available as required or requested. These decisions directly impact performance in the job and/or work unit within the department and information is provided with additional research and observations which contributes to the decision making process.
Thinking and Problem Solving
In relation to established procedures, protocols and policies of the County, challenges in this position tend to be diverse, but are typically covered by precedent or established practice.
Tools & Equipment Used
Telephone Water Quality Testing Equipment
Copy Machine Topographic Maps
Online Mapping Software/GIS Secchi Disk
Personal Computer/Printer Aerial Photos
Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel)
WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is sometimes exposed to wet and/or humid conditions, outside weather conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here are representatives of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and rarely lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
TO INCLUDE:Formal Walworth County Electronic Application
Education & Experience Review
Verification of Driver's License
Oral Department Interview
Reference Check
Background Check
Post Offer Physical Exam
Drug Screen
Other job-related tests may be required.
Salary : $18